News and reports

The government's decision to close Healthwatch was first leaked to the press, and then confirmed in the NHS 10-Year Plan. Despite recognising the value of patient feedback, the plan surprisingly overlooks the independence of that voice and the crucial value that independence brings.

Read about our work and impact in 2024/25 and our plans for the year to come.

As part of our ongoing engagement with services, organisations and research within South West London, the Healthwatch Richmond staff have recently attended two exciting events.

GP practices in South West London, which cover Croydon, Kingston, Merton, Richmond, Sutton, and Wandsworth boroughs, introduced a new BSL interpreter provider on 1st October 2024. DA Languages replaces the old provider, Language Line, and aims to make it easier for people to get the support they need. GP staff have been given training materials to help them use the new system.

Healthwatch Richmond visited the Emergency Department and the Urgent Treatment Centre at West Middlesex University Hospital in November 2025 in a series of Enter & View visits to create a snapshot assessment of the service.

The Accessible Information Standard (AIS) helps health and care services meet the needs of patients and carers with communication needs. This includes individuals with sensory loss, neurological conditions, neurodiversity, and learning disabilities. AIS requires service providers to identify, record, flag, share, and meet patients' communication needs to ensure fair healthcare access. A short NHS England video describing AIS is available.

Healthwatch Richmond heard from 2700 local residents about their experience of general practice.

We are delighted to hear that Hampton resident's voice have been heard.
Healthwatch Richmond is also proud to have been actively campaigning for a year for the resolution of the pharmacy issue in Hampton!

On 14 August 2024, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared a public health emergency of international concern regarding the increase of Mpox – previously referred as monkey pox – in the Democratic Republic of Congo and a growing number of countries in Africa. In the UK, 326 Mpox cases have been reported between 2023 and August 2024.

In May 2024 Healthwatch Richmond conducted a series of Enter & View visits to the Kingston Hospital inpatient wards to look at nutrition and mealtimes. Read about our findings and recommendations in our report.

The unacceptable pharmacy situation in Hampton is the result of several mistakes over the past months. Healthwatch Richmond thoroughly investigated the matter. We created this video to help understand the complex process leading to the unresolved current situation.
We will continue to work and campaign for the opening of a new pharmacy.

GPs across England have voted overwhelmingly in favour of taking collective action.